PNF Patterns in Rehabilitation

A PNF technique that uses a combination of isometric holds and rhythmic contractions to enhance strength and stability.

A PNF technique where the therapist slowly moves the patient's limb in one direction against resistance, followed by a slow return to the starting position.

A PNF technique where the therapist holds the patient's limb at the end range of motion for a period of time, using isometric contraction to enhance strength.

A PNF technique where the therapist alternates between isometric contraction and relaxation in opposing muscle groups.

A PNF technique that combines rhythmic stabilization with alternating isometric contractions.

A technique where a therapist passively moves the patient's limb through the full range of motion, helping to re-educate the muscles and nerves for normal movement.

The muscles that cause a movement (like bending your elbow) are called agonists.

The muscles that oppose the movement of the agonist muscles (like straightening your elbow) are called antagonists.

A therapeutic exercise approach that incorporates functional anatomy and neurophysiology principles to improve movement patterns and neuromuscular control.

PNF patterns aim to replicate natural, multi-joint movements, involving planes, diagonals, and rotations. This helps restore functional movement.

PNF strengthens muscles, improves endurance, and increases range of motion. It's important for recovering from musculoskeletal injuries that affect control.

PNF exercises start with basic movements, like flexion and extension, then progress to more complex ones, mimicking real-life actions.

PNF techniques emphasize the use of diagonal patterns, which are natural movement pathways.

Sensory cues, like touch, sight, and sound, are incorporated into PNF exercises to enhance learning and motor control.

PNF techniques focus on building stability and mobility in movement patterns, essential for functional recovery.

PNF lays the groundwork for restoring function by improving movement control, strength, and range of motion.

A technique in PNF stretching where the tight muscle is lengthened, the patient isometrically contracts it for several seconds, and then relaxes. The clinician then stretches the muscle further, holding it at the new end-range of motion.

A technique in PNF stretching that involves the same steps as Hold-Relax. After the isometric contraction, the patient actively moves the joint through the increased range by contracting the opposing muscle (agonist). The therapist then applies a static stretch at the new end-range.

A stretching technique that utilizes the body's natural reflexes to increase flexibility and range of motion. It is generally considered more beneficial than other stretching methods.

The muscle that is being stretched in a PNF technique.

The Golgi tendon organ is a sensory receptor that helps to sense the tension in a muscle. It plays a role in causing reflexive muscle relaxation during PNF stretching.

PNF involves lengthening and shortening of muscles, which can lead to a decrease in activity of certain muscles, like the hamstrings.

Sudden stretching can lead to muscle injury, especially if done immediately before strenuous physical activity.

The greatest amount of resistance provided during a dynamic concentric muscle contraction, while still allowing for smooth and pain-free movement.

Slight separation of joint surfaces during a movement, often used during flexion to inhibit pain and facilitate movement.

Gentle compression of joint surfaces, either manually or through weight-bearing, to stimulate agonist and antagonist muscle contractions. Improves dynamic stability and postural control.

The therapist should face the direction of the moving limb, applying resistance using their body weight instead of upper extremities. Good biomechanics are crucial.

Verbal cues used to enhance motor output, instructing the patient about specific actions.

Visual cues used to help patients watch and follow the movement, leading to improved control throughout the range of motion.

How and where you place your hands on the patient, typically over agonist muscle groups or tendinous insertions, adjusting based on individual response and control levels.

The application of sensory cues, primarily through touch and verbal instruction, to elicit or strengthen motor responses. These cues are superimposed on diagonal movement patterns for optimal neuromuscular response.

The distal segment (e.g., hand or foot) initiates movement, followed by the proximal segments (e.g., arm or leg) in a coordinated pattern.

A technique to improve range of motion in a tight muscle by utilizing reciprocal inhibition, where the therapist passively lengthens the tight muscle to the end-range while the patient concentrically contracts the opposing muscle group, resulting in the tight muscle relaxing and lengthening.

This neurophysiologic and developmental treatment approach, created by Margaret Rood, aims to improve muscle tone, both flaccid and spastic, by manipulating the central nervous system.

A key aspect of the Rood Approach, this principle aims to make the nervous system encourage or suppress muscle function, thus improving range of motion and muscle control.

"Purposeful movement restoration" is a principle of the Rood Approach that emphasizes the importance of using movement for a specific purpose.

This principle of Rood's Approach emphasizes the role of repetition and practice in achieving long-lasting results.